The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plans to allow participants to redeem their food package benefits online, i.e., online ordering. As grocery shopping online has become more common, companies have developed strategies to market food products to customers using online (or mobile) grocery shopping platforms. There is a significant knowledge gap in how these strategies may influence WIC participants who choose to shop for WIC foods online. This review examines the relevant literature to (1) identify food marketing strategies used in online grocery shopping platforms, (2) understand how these strategies influence consumer behavior and consumer diet, and (3) consider the implications for WIC participants. A total of 1862 references were identified from a systematic database search, of which 83 were included for full-text screening and 18 were included for data extraction and evidence synthesis. The included studies provide policymakers and other stakeholders involved in developing WIC online order processes with valuable information about the factors that shape healthy food choices in the online food retail environment. Findings indicate that some marketing interventions, such as nutrition labeling and food swaps, may encourage healthier food choices in the online environment and could potentially be tailored to reinforce WIC messaging about a healthy diet.
Published: January 2023
Journal: Nutrients
Authors: Hodges L, Lowery CM, Patel P, McInnis J, Zhang Q
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: National
Focus Area: Nutrition Policy & Programs
Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Keyword: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Related Research
April 2026
Policy Priorities and Research Needs for Advancing Healthy Eating: A 2026-2027 Research Agenda for U.S. Children and Adolescents
Given recent changes to nutrition policies and programs and the food environment landscape, the need for new evidence on how these changes impact nutrition, health, and food access is greater than ever. HER has also published a research agenda intended to provide a blueprint for immediate (i.e., 12-18 month) research needs to inform strategies to MoreNovember 2025
Informing equitable implementation of SNAP food restriction waivers
SNAP is the largest federally funded nutrition assistance program in the U.S., providing support to more than 40 million Americans. This study aims to provide tangible information, insights, and resources grounded in SNAP participants’ preferences and feedback to support the implementation and communication of SNAP Food Restriction waivers, minimizing barriers to SNAP participation and benefit MoreNovember 2025